BMW BMW announces BMW Digital Key Plus with Ultra-Wideband technology coming to the BMW iX.

Munich. As one of the pioneers in the use of a smartphone as a digital vehicle key since 2018, BMW is pressing ahead with the development and popularisation of its BMW Digital Key feature, which is available to iPhone users today. In line with this goal, the premium car manufacturer will introduce the BMW Digital Key Plus, a convenient and secure way to unlock and start your car without taking your iPhone out of your bag or pocket. This latest incarnation of the service is based on Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, the technology found on the U1 chip of iPhone. The BMW Digital Key Plus feature will be first launched with the all-electric BMW iX for iPhone.

Ultra-Wideband technology for enhanced convenience and security.
The new, additional features enabled by the BMW Digital Key Plus are based on Ultra-Wideband technology. This is a short-range, high-bandwidth digital radio technology that is characterized by an exceptionally precise localization with the greatest possible security. UWB’s precision also ensures that relay attacks, where the radio signal is jammed or intercepted, are not possible. Apple and BMW have been working closely with the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) to establish the Digital Key specification 3.0 for UWB, providing a global standard for the automotive industry.

BMW Group PressClub Global

 

[klier]

This is a bit confusing?

Is a new digital key like a new version of that key fob with display? Or is it an app for your iPhone? I personally think BMW should just stop the digital key fob and focus on their smartphone connections to unlock and control the car.

Also, the actual hardware in the current key is way too old, and it makes the screen laggy in response..

 

[Levi68]

This is a bit confusing?

Is a new digital key like a new version of that key fob with display? Or is it an app for your iPhone? I personally think BMW should just stop the digital key fob and focus on their smartphone connections to unlock and control the car.

Also, the actual hardware in the current key is way too old, and it makes the screen laggy in response..

I understand the new key (physical) using a new wireless standard that is more secure, in the way that its physical location can't be spoofed. The phone key uses LTE or NFC standard. The i8 key is gimmick. Do they yet make them?

 

[Rainer271]

As far as I know is based on the iPhone. From iPhone 11 it's using the Ultra-Wideband which makes the technic behind more safe than the usual remote control inside of physical keys.

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

As far as I know is based on the iPhone. From iPhone 11 it's using the Ultra-Wideband which makes the technic behind more safe than the usual remote control inside of physical keys.

As far as I know from the underground the car thiefs are extremely happy with this system, because it makes their job much easier. To hack the key you need to be in close proximity to it, while the phone can be hacked from the other end of the world.

 

[Centurion]

Great feature. I would enable it.

 

[David Brent]

This is a bit confusing?

Is a new digital key like a new version of that key fob with display? Or is it an app for your iPhone? I personally think BMW should just stop the digital key fob and focus on their smartphone connections to unlock and control the car.

Also, the actual hardware in the current key is way too old, and it makes the screen laggy in response..

The key fob is "Display Key", not "Digital Key". This new technology is purely referring to opening your car from your phone.

I have the Display Key for my X5. It is indeed a waste of time, and I've no idea why they introduced it. I assume the development was too far down the line to cancel it when Digital Key was developed for smartphones. If you have the BMW Connected App, then you have all the same data (and more) available to you. And the key is very big and cumbersome, which can be a pain. I never chose the Display Key, it came as part of the Technology Package which also included other useful options such as HUD, Harman/Kardon Sound System, and Parking Assistant Plus.

In fact, looking at the configurator, Display Key doesn't appear to be offered any more.

 

[klier]

In fact, looking at the configurator, Display Key doesn't appear to be offered any more.

Agree with everything, the Display Key is something that would have been really cool 15 years ago. But not in this day and age. It's bulky as f#ck, laggy as f#ck and overall rather stupid looking when you also have smartphone apps.

 

[klier]

As far as I know from the underground [...]

What are you trying to tell us....LOL

 

[Levi68]

As far as I know from the underground the car thiefs are extremely happy with this system, because it makes their job much easier. To hack the key you need to be in close proximity to it, while the phone can be hacked from the other end of the world.

phones are rather secure right now. luckily users are just as stupid if not more and are the main vulnerability.

 

[PanterroR]

Agree with everything, the Display Key is something that would have been really cool 15 years ago. But not in this day and age. It's bulky as f#ck, laggy as f#ck and overall rather stupid looking when you also have smartphone apps.

As long as i live i will not unlock/start or whatever the f you want over my mobile phone and apps. NEVER!

 

[klier]

As long as i live i will not unlock/start or whatever the f you want over my mobile phone and apps. NEVER!

It's all automatic, relax.